In the pre-dawn of the commercial computer age, Lou Giacalone, CEO of Richmond Research, Inc., was there.
Founded and operated as Richmond Research Laboratories in 1969, the precursor of today's company developed state-of-the-art electronic devices, equipment that would evolve into today's software, hardware and systems.
Giacalone was a tech-head - and more. Because of his bent for practical applications of technology, Giacalone developed early uses of computers for commercial purposes. In the sixties, he and his company were designing hardware for the telecommunications industry.
The company converted to full-time operations in 1982, and changed its name to Richmond Research, Inc. - a reflection of its emphasis on research & development for business applications. The company's first full-time client was Bank of America, for which Richmond developed cash management products - something it still does today.
During this time, Giacalone was on the scene as computers evolved into something like the tool we know today. He understood computers, exactly what they could and couldn't do - because he built them.
He also helped build the IT capabilities of several major companies including Citibank and Marine Midland, where he learned how large companies handle and apply information (or in computer parlance "data") to maximize profit.
Today, Richmond Research, Inc. is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. Having survived and grown through two recessions, Richmond now has seven full-time employees; and annual revenue projected in the millions of dollars.
Thanks to all our clients for the opportunity to help them shape their companies.
Sergeant Lou Giacalone maintains the 1st transportable
computer in history,
the UNIVAC 1004, Texas, USA.
